Summary
In this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Victoria Dickerson, Jeff Amerine, and Daniel Koonce are joined by Anna Beth Gorman, CEO of The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas (WFA). Founded in 1998, the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas has been working to understand the diverse needs and realities facing women and girls so it can respond through purposeful action and engaged philanthropy.
The foundation’s initiatives, such as the Women’s Economic Mobility Hub, support Black women entrepreneurs by providing them with unrestricted funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. WFA also addresses barriers faced by women entrepreneurs, including language barriers, resource awareness, and access to capital.
Additionally, the foundation’s internship program, funded by the Delta Regional Authority, offers housing and transportation for high-paying internships, helping first-generation college students gain essential social and financial capital. Gorman also mentions the “Girls of Promise” program, which introduces young women to STEM careers through hands-on activities and job shadowing. WFA’s extensive efforts in promoting women’s economic development in Arkansas involve publishing reports on economic indicators for women and advocating for inclusive language and easier resource accessibility.
Throughout the episode, Anna Beth shares about her experience working to support women entrepreneurs in Arkansas, the unique barriers that exist for these women, and how running for the Arkansas Secretary of State impacted her approach to advocacy.
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction
(0:44) Anna Beth’s Origin Story
(2:40) The Difference the WFA is Making
(4:33) Barriers to Women Entrepreneurs
(7:44) WFA Success Stories
(10:17) About the WFA’s Financing Options
(12:34) The WFA’s Impact
(14:35) The WFA’s Program for Young Entrepreneurs
(18:34) How to Get Involved in the WFA’s Programs
(20:00) About Anna Beth’s Background
(24:53) Lessons from Running for Arkansas Secretary of State
(28:33) What’s Next for the WFA
(29:02) Closing Question
Links
Women’s Foundation of Arkansas
Connect with Us!
Do you consider yourself a startup junkie? Join the conversation by following us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter! Startup Junkie wants to come alongside these entrepreneurs every step of the way. Want to learn more about our services?
Keep listening
How a Dentist Grew a Telehealth Startup 1,200% with Dr. Maria Kunstadter
Toothaches are one of the top reasons people end up in the emergency room, where there’s no dentist to treat them. In this entrepreneur interview, Dr. Maria Kunstadter…
Show notes
How Cities Can Make Starting a Business Easier with Fayetteville Mayor Molly Rawn
Starting a small business is full of unknowns. Fayetteville's mayor says City Hall should be the one predictable part. In this entrepreneur interview, Molly Rawn, Mayor…
Show notes
How Small Businesses Can Win Defense Contracts with Chip Laingen
Small businesses, not the big defense primes, are where the Department of Defense is looking for its next breakthrough. Here's how to get noticed, and how to be ready…
Show notesNever miss an episode
New episodes and the best founder takeaways, straight to your inbox.
Looking for a specific guest or topic across the archive? Search every episode with CLIPr → or browse the library.
English 
Spanish 
Korean